Bagel joint toasts student art

By Erin Miller | gargoyle@flagler.edu
Photo by Josh Weaver

Schmagel’s Bagels owner Matt Montanaro wants Flagler art students to participate in a live art show at his restaurant.

Each student will contribute to create an original painting at the show. Montanaro plans to showcase the students’ artwork for St. Augustine’s First Friday Art Walk.

Alex Ray, junior fine arts major and Schmagel’s regular, will participate in this event at the next art walk on March 4.

“Next month Schmagel’s will join the art walk; we want to get everyone to come out and see the student artwork,” Ray said. “We want to advertise more by using flyers, the Internet and word of mouth.”

The monthly art walk is downtown on the first Friday of every month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. With over 20 participating galleries, the evening is filled with the latest exhibits, entertainment and refreshments. Schmagel’s will open for the art walk from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. They will serve wine donated from the San Sebastian Winery.

Montanaro wants Schmagel’s to be more accommodating to the college students.

“Soon we will have Wi-Fi and longer weekend hours,” Montanaro said. Schmagel’s will soon be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday to Saturday and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. The breakfast and lunch menus will stay the same.

Schmagel’s opened 15 years ago as a local bagel and deli shop in the historic district. Montanaro bought Schmagel’s two years ago.